An arrest warrant states Swint threatened to kill the girl Sept. 29 to prevent her from testifying against him.

“We’ve been investigating this since late July,” said Shelby Police Lt. Wray Hamrick. “It’s still under investigation.”

The alleged rape and kidnapping happened the same day, July 21, according to arrest warrants. Hamrick confirmed the rape happened within the city.

“There’s only one (death threat) we’re aware of right now,” Shelby Police Detective D.P. Halloran said about the threat. “He intimidated her via computer through social media.”

Hamrick said the case illustrates that all sexual assaults should be reported.

“Don’t hold it inside. Let someone know any time inappropriate touching happens. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old,” Hamrick said.

Swint also faces one felonious count of obstructing justice and intimidating a witness. He was an inmate inside the Cleveland County Detention Center as of Wednesday. His bond was set at $100,000 secured.